Active Directory Users and Computers is an administrative console, not a standalone copy of Active Directory that you install on an ordinary PC. Authorized administrators use Microsoft’s Remote Server Administration Tools to manage an existing directory.
Steps
- Confirm that the PC and Windows edition support the required RSAT feature and that you are authorized to administer the organization’s directory.
- Open Settings > Apps > Optional features.
- Choose the option to add an optional feature.
- Find and install the applicable RSAT: Active Directory Domain Services and Lightweight Directory Services Tools feature.
- After installation, open Active Directory Users and Computers from Windows administrative tools or run dsa.msc.
- Connect only to the authorized organization environment.
- Use an account with only the directory privileges required for the task.
RSAT does not create a domain controller
The tools provide management consoles that connect to existing directory services. Building or operating a domain controller is a separate server and identity-administration task.
Least privilege matters
Do not perform ordinary browsing, email, or unrelated work from a highly privileged directory-administrator account. Use elevated credentials only when the administrative task requires them.
Organization policy comes first
Domain management can affect many users and computers. Follow change-control, logging, approval, and backup procedures established by the organization.
Windows 10 is unsupported
Windows 10 reached the end of standard support in October 2025. Administrative work should be performed from a supported, patched management workstation rather than a legacy Windows 10 PC.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
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